Speaking to the Chronicle, Steve McClaren has suggested that the summer arrival of Georginio Wijnaldum was behind the sale of Mehdi Abeid to Panathanaikos, due to the lack of football it caused the Algerian.

He said: “He’s [Abeid] a good player. We brought in Wijnaldum and that’s unfortunate for Mehdi. But I liked Mehdi and he will make a player I’m sure.”

Wijnaldum has been signed, and although he has played in a more advanced role than Abeid features in, the sale of the Algerian midfielder came about after talks with McClaren.

He was told that playing time could not be guaranteed due to the signing of the Dutch star, and he signed a three year deal with the Greek club he spent time on loan with two years ago.

Abeid, 23, started to impress for the Magpies last season, and many fans wanted to see him be given an increased role this term. It seems strange to think he was not offered playing time, especially as McClaren has blamed WIjnaldum - even though he has been featured as a number 10.

If anything, it is Jack Colback and Vurnon Anita who have been keeping Abeid out the side, and whilst the duo are better first choice options, there is the worry that the sale of Abeid has reduced the strength in depth that McClaren could have called upon if he needed to.

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.